Business: The Gathering Spot LLC
Address: 6690 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Founded: 2016
Contact: 303-455-0200, thegatheringspotdenver.com
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Interview with Kelly Russell and Layne Nickel, co-owners
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
:I have been teaching dance and creative movement for more than 10 years and my sister, Layne, has been an early childhood educator for more than 5 years. When we both had our own children and chose not to go back to work for other people, we made the decision to start our own business, by combining what we love and what we do.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
:I think that our business is unique in that it is run by me and my sister, and we treat our students and clients as if they were part of our own family. We both come from an early childhood education background and we love working with young children and their families, and we treat our work space as an extension of us, our family and our home.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
:Meeting and working with so many unique people, children and families and getting the pleasure of helping them to grow and experience something new each time they come to a class, workshop or camp. As a teacher, you seem to receive much more than you have given.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
:Right now our biggest challenge is balance. Since we are a small family-operated business, we struggle with how we can start to grow, while still keeping that personable relationship with each of our students and clients.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
:People might be surprised to see mine and my sister’s young children with us at the studio most of the time. We have 2-year-old daughters that are 6 weeks apart and I also have a 4-year-old son. They are a big part of our business and why chose to do what we do. It is a such a rewarding experience to be able to take our children to work with us and to show them how fulfilling it is to do what you love and to do it for yourself.